“My aunt died recently and she was like a second mother to me,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had to win tonight and it’s a wonderful campaign. We also wanted to give our fans this moment of satisfaction in the Derby d’Italia.

“To be honest, I am struggling to understand why Inter are so low down the standings. They are full of champions and in a one-off game can beat anyone.

“We knew it would be a struggle, especially as we played 120 minutes in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday. Inter had nothing to lose, while the pressure was on us, but we held out well.”

Alessandro Del Piero scored his first Serie A goal of the season after a Martin Caceres opener, but GigiBuffon required heroics in the first half to deny Inter.

“In my view Del Piero and Buffon are our extra weapons. At this moment Ale is in good shape and therefore he’s playing. He also played in the Coppa and he repaid me with an excellent performance.

“When he gets the ball between his feet, it’s difficult for him to not get it in the net. We have a very honest rapport and he knows what I think.”

The victory keeps Juve within four points of Serie A leaders Milan in a thrilling Scudetto race.

“How much do we believe in the title? It is in Milan’s hands. I don’t want to upset anyone, but I am objective. The Rossoneri are proving they have such strength in depth that they can continue to do well even through injuries.

“As of today Milan are the strongest side in Italy and I hope they do well against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final.”